Old Hag Syndrome

Old Hag Syndrome

Several syndromes are based in the spirit world rather than in fact. One such syndrome that has made the rounds is undoubtedly something to contend with is old hag syndrome. While there are tons of stories and plenty of lore, there are also some bases in fact that have to do directly with the syndrome. Knowing a bit more about it, its origins, and the truth behind this syndrome can help everyone understand.

Old Hag Syndrome

What is the Old Hag Syndrome?

The old hags syndrome very basically defined is something that scientists have come to call sleep paralysis. The phenomena started as a feeling of being unable to move; you wake up in the night and are unable to proceed, you feel pressure on your chest, and you cannot speak, breathe, or stand up. This is a syndrome that is somewhat common in more people than you might think.

Also Read: 7 Tips for Practicing Healthy Sleep Hygiene

Though the syndrome is now more commonly referred to as sleep paralysis, some interesting facts about how it came to be known as old hag syndrome.

The episodes do not last very long; most people who report the syndrome are generally over it in about thirty seconds, making it all the more terrifying. Rather than the paralysis being permanent or a bit more serious, these episodes come and go, and some have even reported several attacks in one night.

This is a syndrome that almost always happens at night. This is also far more common in those that believe in spirits and that jump to the conclusion that it was something supernatural that caused the feeling rather than something potentially medical.

How Was Old Hag Syndrome Named?

The syndrome with the name old hag has origins in the earliest days of lore. Since man was able to write about the ailments they felt, old hag syndrome has been around.

The name of this syndrome comes from the belief that an old hag or spirit sits on the victim’s chest and keeps them from moving, from sitting, and from breathing. This syndrome has roots deep in the middle ages and was even reported in the Salem Witch trials.

The first girl afflicted, Mercy, said an old hag that would come and sit on her chest so that she could not call for help and so that she could not do anything to help herself or report the witch.

That being said, those that feel the old hag believe that she could be a vengeful spirit, a ghost, or even a witch. There is no basis in how she chooses her victims or how she comes to the people affected, but she does.

Those affected by this syndrome often feel that there is a sinister presence in the room, that they can hear things, see shadows, see eyes, or even hear people talking.

Those experiencing these things are often far more likely to believe that there is a ghost or a witch than those who think there is a medical or scientific explanation.

This is a fairly common syndrome, affecting about 15 percent of the population at least once in their lifetime. That being said. However, those that feel it are far more likely to think it again than those that have never felt it before.

Those who think this are more likely to jump to conclusions at the moment of the supposed “attack” simply because they are out of sorts and will feel strange and afraid when they come to. In some cases, those who do have this feeling end up passing out, making them even more terrified.

Old Hag Syndrome Stories

Thousands upon thousands of stories about the Old Hag Syndrome and demons and witches have pinned people into their beds. That being said, there is something to be said that so many people claim that they are feeling these things and that their stories are so similar.

The most common way an old hag story starts is that people have woken suddenly from their sleep.

They may feel a presence, hear a noise, and have a feeling that they are not alone; after that, they feel as if they are pinned to their bed. Some claim that they smell strange things, that they see shadows and apparitions, that they hear someone else breathing.

For about thirty seconds, the person is wholly immobilized; they cannot move, cannot speak, and cannot breathe. After the paralysis passes, they can move, but they feel strange. They may be afraid, have trouble breathing, and feel as if they are not alone.

Most people that experience this are terrified after the episode is over, and they are often unable to go back to sleep. Those affected by the syndrome are often so upset and afraid that they cannot do anything to feel better. They may also have sleep trouble after the incident is over.

Medical Causes

There are some potential medical causes for this syndrome. The first and most accepted idea is that a difficult transition into sleep causes sleep paralysis.

Those who have this symptom often have trouble going to sleep, have an abnormal sleep pattern, or may even have insomnia. In most cases, this is not linked to severe psychiatric problems but can be related to other tissues within the body. Some believe that this may be a sign of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is when the person affected ceases to breathe during the night, which may cause instances of extreme fear and even a feeling of paralysis. Apnea is not all that uncommon but is more likely to be part of the lives of those that have sleep issues or that are overweight.

Also Read: 10 Signs You Are Not Getting Enough Sleep

Another possible cause of sleep paralysis is heart trouble. The feeling of the old hag sitting on your chest and the inability to move is very similar to the symptoms that many people say accompany a heart attack or a severe heart palpitation.

There are still other possible causes that may have been the reason that you experienced sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis can be caused by narcolepsy, seizure disorders, abnormal sleep patterns, and other issues that disrupt the standard practices of sleep.

This is not all that common, and if you do experience this, you should talk to a doctor to make sure there are no other underlying issues.

Another reason you may be experiencing this is lack of sleep, use of certain medications, sleeping on your back, mental conditions like stress, and even sleep schedule changes.

These can all lead to sleep paralysis. There are a few different ways that you can treat this disorder. The first is to alter your sleeping habits.

If you have poor sleeping habits, you should take the time to change your schedule so that you can get a better, deeper, and more restful sleep.

You may also need to treat any mental health issues you have, like anxiety and stress causing your problem. Addressing these can help you get a more restful sleep without worrying about things and without being stressed. You may use an antidepressant or other sleep medication to help level out hormones and make rest more possible.

It may also be necessary for you to complete a sleep study to see just what other sleep issues you may have that could be causing sleep paralysis. You do not have to worry about sleep paralysis.

In most cases, this is a minimal disorder that does not last long, and that may come and go. However, if you do feel that it is a serious enough issue to talk to a doctor, by all means, get to a doctor so that you can see just what may be causing you the problem.

It is always best to talk to a doctor if you feel that you have some underlying issue rather than let it wait and potentially cause a more severe problem.

Your doctor can diagnose sleep paralysis, tell you if there are other issues you need to treat and help you get to a good sleep state to make sure that you are healthy and not experiencing sleep paralysis daily.